Business Financing for Women
(pssst: These sources are just for women)

Finding business financing for women is a real challenge. The one strong advantage that women have is that every traditional financing source is open to them too.

 It's hard to say, "Forget being a woman" and "Take advantage of being a woman" in the same sentence, but that is what finding financing for women requires, even in the business plan presentation.

First and foremost, you are a business person. Male, female, Hispanic, white, black, Asian, tall or short. You are a business person. Everything that you do in searching for financing needs to say that.

But because you are a woman, there are some sources open to you that men don't have. (There are also a lot of sources open to men that most women don't have, but that's another story.) Take advantage of that. Go after it. It is there because there are organizations that recognize the problems women have had in acquiring financing.

Here are a few sources of business financing for women to get you started. It's not a lot. But there never has been a lot earmarked for women entrepreneurs.

The SBA introduces new resource for business plans for women: My Biz. It is overflowing with great new information for all entrepreneurs.

The Small Business Administration Women's Network has been around for a while -- and continues to link success to success every single day.

Women's business organizations have always been a valuable resource. Here are some of the best.

Equality in business? Well, no. And personally I prefer it that way.

Business Plan Competition for Women. One million women-owned businesses will become million dollar companies.

WOMEN'S NETWORK. An SBA sponsored program for women entrepreneurs. The value of WNET varies from region to region, but it's definitely worth checking out.

Isabella Capital LLC.  A VC firm owned and operated by women for women.

Online Women's Business Center.  The SBA office for women-owned businesses.

Springboard Enterprises. A non-profit organization working to facilitate women's access to the equity markets. Get in touch with this group before you need them -- their expertise can head you in the right direction.

National Minority Supplier Development Council. Links corporate America and minority-owned businesses. A membership organization.

Diversity 2000. The online hub for supplier diversity. Maintains a database of minority and women businesses and contacts within Fortune 1000 companies. A FREE source.

Are you from Wisconsin? In the market for an angel investor? Get your business plan ready. There are some groups waiting to hear from women and minorities. See this article on Angel Investor Groups of Women in Wisconsin.

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